Italian News Headlines 08-06-2023 - Extreme weather in Emilia-Romagna has led to 14 dead and 35,000 displaced. There are 500 roads closed and over over 300 sites at risk of landslides --- Two new victims of the Vesuvius eruption in 79AD have been discovered during excavations in Pompei --- The largest ever anti mafia operation has involved 150 raids targeting 'Ndrangheta members across 8 European countries --- Two tons of cocaine has been found floating in the sea off the eastern coast of Sicily --- Three climate activists have been arrested in Rome after pouring a black liquid into the iconic 'Barcaccia' fountain at the base of the 'Spanish Steps'
Italian classical architecture, renaissance architecture, neo-classicism, baroque architecture, romanesque
Agrigento - Photo: poudou99

Italian Classical Architecture

Italy is famous for its various styles of architecture which, over many centuries, have inspired architects all over the world. In northern and central Italy, it was the Etruscans who first established a distinct architectural style. The principal elements of their designs for temples, pillars, arches, doorways and gates were a major influence on the Roman architecture which followed. In southern Italy, it was the Greeks who were the first to establish an architectural style. The remains of Greek temples and theatres can be seen in various places across Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. Agrigento, in Sicily, is an excellent example and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ancient Roman: 500 BC - AD 400

The Ancient Romans, adopting the influence of both the Etruscans and the Greeks, established one of the most famous styles of architecture in history. The Colosseum in Rome stands as a lasting testament of their achievments.

Byzantine: AD 800

Early christian and Byzantine architecture is found right across Italy with two of the most notable examples being St Marks Basilica in Venice in the north, and the Cathedral in Monreal in Sicily in the south.

Romanesque: Mid 9th century

The Romanesque period followed, so called because of its adoption of Roman features such as curved columns and arches. It was the first time that a vault with projecting ribs had been used and it incorporated side galleries onto the basilica. One of the notable examples in Italy is the cathedral in Pisa along with its famous 'Leaning Tower'.

Gothic: Mid 11th century

Gothic architecture originated in Burgundy, eastern France, from where it was imported to Italy, along with other European countries. Although never widely adopted in Italy, the best example of the style is the Duomo in Milan, partially designed by German architects.

Renaissance: Early 15th century

Renaissance architecture saw a revival of classical themes. Brunelleschi created one of the finest examples with the dome of the cathedral in Florence. Other notable architects were Raphael, Michelangelo and Palladio.

Baroque: Mid 16th century

The Baroque era saw the completion of St Peters Basilica, which had been started during the renaissance. The famous Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain in Rome are good examples of the style and there are other notable examples to be found in Ragusa, Noto and Modica in Sicily.

Neo-Classical: Mid 18th century

By the early 18th century, the lavish designs of the Baroque era had given way to a simpler, more classical style, known as Neo-Classicism. The Villa Olmo in Como is a good example of Neo-classical design as is the Royal Palace at Casserta, although the lavish interiors are more Baroque.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

Italian classical architecture, renaissance architecture, neo-classicism, baroque architecture, romanesque

More Details

Map of Italy
Facts & Figures
Area: 301,225 km²
Population: 60,157,214
Capital: Rome
Currency: Euro (€)
Calling code: +39
Internet TLD: .it

Current local time in
Rome, Italy
  •  
    •  
Italian Flag
  •  
    •  
Italian Coat of Arms
 
  •  
    •  
Euro Exchange Rates
Exchange Rates
  •  
    •  
ROMEWEATHER
Other pages you might like
Hand Made Gifts From Italy
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture,
useful information for visiting and living in Italy as wll as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.